1870 A Indian Valley Rd
Novato 94947 · Indian Valley · Unincorporated Marin · Coordinates: 38.09343, -122.59575
Executive Verdict · Public-Records Synthesis
Zoned A2-B4 in Unincorporated Marin and mapped CAL FIRE moderate fire hazard severity zone (state responsibility area) due diligence; benchmark value $1,139,000 ($1,002,000–$1,276,000).
Upsides & Opportunities
- ✓ 2 documented municipal building permits on file
On-parcel permit history is indexed through Apr 21, 2025, letting you verify roof, HVAC, electrical, or structural work against seller disclosures.
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (parcel APN)
Watchouts & Due Diligence
- ! Mapped flood awareness zone (Zone X: minimal flood hazard)
all of the lot of the parcel intersects Zone X: minimal flood hazard. Outside mandatory federal SFHA insurance rules, but check local drainage and finished-floor requirements.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (parcel polygon)
- ! CAL FIRE Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (State Responsibility Area) (all of the lot of lot)
Located in a mapped Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Expect Chapter 7A ignition-resistant building standards, defensible-space inspections, and stricter property insurance underwriting.
Source: CAL FIRE FHSZ (map Apr 1, 2024)
- ! Delayed or open permit activity on this parcel
Accessory dwelling unit at 0 Indian Valley Rd: In "Applied" for 22 mo (since Jan 23, 2025), exceeding the 253d median and 456d 75th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121). High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $950,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) (review-time benchmark)
- ! 3 slow or stalled nearby projects within ½ mile
Closest lead: New home at 419 Bloom Ln (0.21 mi S, issued). Inspect timeline history before assuming near-term completion.
Source: County of Marin Community Development Agency, Building Permits (unincorporated Marin) · HCD APR (½-mile radius)
Parcel & Assessor
- Lot size:
- 145,403 sq ft (3.34 ac)
- Assessor use:
- Single-Resid. - Unimproved
- Addresses on lot:
- 1870A INDIAN VALLEY RD; 1870 INDIAN VALLEY RD
Zoning & Land Use
A2-B4 — Agriculture Limited (Unincorporated Marin)
Undesignated — Undesignated (Novato)
State Housing Pathways Screen (ADU & SB 9)
- ADU or junior ADUCan't tell
Zoned A2-B4 (agricultural): ADUs are allowed if the zone allows a home, which depends on the zone's rules. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: two homes on the lotUnlikely
Zoned A2-B4 (agricultural), not a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
- SB 9: split into two lotsUnlikely
Zoned A2-B4 (agricultural), not a single-family residential zone. The parcel point also falls in Undesignated.
Mapped Hazard Zones on This Lot
- CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone
- Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (State Responsibility Area) (all of the lot, map Apr 1, 2024)
- FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer
- Zone X: minimal flood hazard (all of the lot) · FIRM panel 06041C0278D, effective May 4, 2009
- CGS Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
- Not in an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
Surrounding Rent & Value Benchmarks (Public Records)
Range: $1,002,000 – $1,276,000 · Status: Off market
HUD Small Area FMR (ZIP 94947) · FY 2026
Studio $2,250 · 1BR $2,690 · 2BR $3,260 · 3BR $4,160 · 4BR $4,320
Developments Deserving Closer Investigation & Active Area Builders
- Accessory dwelling unit at 0 Indian Valley Rd (Applied)On this parcel
In "Applied" for 22 mo (since Jan 23, 2025), exceeding the 253d median and 456d 75th percentile for new single-family home permits in Unincorporated Marin (n=121). High-impact scale (1 housing unit, $950,000 declared valuation across 1 permit).
- General repair (93121) (Applied)On this parcel
Pending in review for 19 mo (6.9× the 83d median) — slower than 90% of general repair permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 83d, 90th pct 328d, n=693).
- Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion) (92907) (Applied)On this parcel
Pending in review for 22 mo (3.2× the 204d median) — slower than 90% of accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion) permits in Unincorporated Marin (median 204d, 90th pct 549d, n=298).
- New home at 419 Bloom Ln (Issued)0.21 mi S
Active in "Issued" for 10.6 yr (first record Mar 31, 2016) with no new permit activity recorded in 7.8 yr.
Entity-resolved builders & contractors in ½ mile: Owner Builder (15 in ½ mi · Remodel / interior alteration); Owner (3 in ½ mi · Addition (adds square footage)); Jeffrey Novak Gen Contr (2 in ½ mi · Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion)); Jp Construction (2 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure); Fontana Construction (2 in ½ mi · New garage / accessory structure).
Permit & Project History on This Parcel (2 permits, 1 grouped projects)
| Record # | Category | Status | Applied / Issued | Valuation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93121 | General repair | Applied | App. Apr 21, 2025 | — | Retaining Walls |
| 92907 | Accessory dwelling unit (new or conversion) | Applied | App. Jan 23, 2025 | $950,000 | New S F D; Attached A D U; Utility Area; Decks |